A travellers' site in Bagshot has been given multiple enforcement notices as part of Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC)'s "ongoing action" after claims "unauthorised activity" has been going on for up to ten years.

People living at a caravan site in Swift Lane have allegedly breached three enforcement notices issued by SHBC on February 1, 2017.

On May 22, site occupant, Thomas Lee appealed against the notices, which cover alleged breaches of operational development and material change of use.

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Surrey Heath Borough Council Headlines

People living at the travellers site, located on greenbelt land near the A322 and M3 have been accused of building without planning permission and unlawfully using the land "for the residential use of caravans" and commercial businesses.

SHBC stated in the appeal document that there is "unauthorised" use of a skip hire business, a waste handling, recovery and disposal business and a mixed use of repair, servicing, selling and re-spraying vehicles.

It said: "It appears to the council that the above breach of planning control has occurred within the last ten years.

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"The unauthorised development constitutes inappropriate developments, harmful to the openness and visual amenities of the green belt where there is a general presumption against it."

It added that there is also "unauthorised residential use of caravans" and "excessive noise and disturbance generated from the uncontrolled commercial activity".

The travellers site in Swift Lane is part of a designated greenbelt area (Image: Google Maps)

The document continued: "It is unacceptable in principle, damages the outlook, form, legibility and layout of the surrounding area, and fails to maintain or enhance the character and appearance of the area."

SHBC has called for the demolition of the "unlawful" buildings and the removal of all commercial materials, including the seizure of vehicles for sale and advertisement boards.

Surrey Heath Borough Council issued the enforcement notices as part of "ongoing action" (Image: Aldershot News and Mail)

It was added: "Following a visual inspection of the material tipped on site, the council with support from Surrey Police has issued a letter to residents and businesses on and adjacent to the site.

"We are currently investigating whether the waste being deposited includes any hazardous material which may be harmful to health.

Last week, several caravans blocked a car park in Bagshot (Image: Surrey Advertiser)

"Whilst we are carrying out these investigations and as a precautionary measure, we have suggested that residents, particularly children, stay away from the waste and that windows are kept closed."

According to the appeal document, Mr Lees claims "there has not been a breach of planning control", there are too many excessive steps in order to comply and "at the time the enforcement notice was issued, it was too late to take enforcement action."

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A Surrey Police spokesperson confirmed the force's "neighbourhood team are assisting Surrey Heath Borough Council with a planning issue on land abutting Swift Lane, Bagshot."

A SCC spokesperson said: "We fully support Surrey Heath Borough Council in the enforcement action taken at the site where there is a blatant breach of planning control and where the interests of other residents must be protected."

Mr Lees' solicitors, Fulchers of Farnborough, have been approached for comment.

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